Things to do this weekend in Hamilton: Oct. 18 to Oct. 20

If you’re in the mood for some thrilling Halloween fun, Hamilton has a packed weekend of events you won’t want to miss. Whether it’s a community pumpkinfest, movie screenings, magic shows and concerts, there’s plenty to explore. Here’s what’s happening in the city from Oct. 18 to Oct. 20:

October 18

Ghost Walks: Dundurn Castle and Ghost Bus Tour (Oct. 5 to Nov. 2)

Make it a night to remember with Hamilton’s Ghost Walks, which will lead you through some of the city’s most haunted spots. The Ghost Bus Tour includes chilling tales of ghosts and voodoo with stops at locations like Century Manor Asylum, Auchmar and the Custom House. Cap off the evening with an eerie tour inside Dundurn Castle, exploring the darker side of its history.

Where: Dundurn Castle, 610 York Blvd.
When: Oct. 5 to Nov. 2
Cost: $34 per person (+ HST & 1.5% fee)

October 19

Stoney Creek Pumpkinfest

Explore the heart of downtown Stoney Creek and enjoy the spooky season at their annual Pumpkinfest! There will be tons of Halloween themed activities like trick-or-treating, a zombie walk, live music, a costume contest, an artisan market and food trucks.

Where: King St. E.
When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Free

MAD MAGIC show

Get ready for an exciting Halloween magic show with one of the world’s funniest mad scientist magician’s, Professor Presto! Performed by Chris Westfall, this interactive magic show will have audiences laughing, gasping and cheering as Presto performs impossible tricks, including making kids float and bringing pictures to life.

Where: The Westdale, 1014 King St. W.
When: 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Cost: Tickets start at CA$32.77

Music of the Movies: Tribute to John Williams

Conducted by Evan Mitchell, the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra presents a tribute to John Williams, the legendary composer behind some of the most iconic film scores. Enjoy selections from E.T., Jaws, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, Jurassic Park and the unforgettable themes from Star Wars.

Where: 1 Summers Lane
When: 7:30 p.m.
Cost: Tickets from $28.50 to $108.50

Puddicombe Farms Harvest Weekends (Sept. 21 to Oct. 27)

Puddicombe Estate Farms will host Harvest Festival Weekends this fall, offering a perfect outdoor family outing. Attendees can enjoy live music, a children’s fun zone, train rides, campfires with marshmallow roasting, wine and cider tasting, and scenic fall farm views.

Where: 1468 Highway 8
Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Admission starts at $24.71

Dyment’s Pumpkin Patch (Oct. 5 to Oct. 27)

Spend a fun-filled day at Dyment’s Pumpkin Patch this fall, with weekend activities in October including wagon rides, mini-putt, farm play areas and a pumpkin patch. This is a cash only event.

Where: 416 Fallsview Rd. E.
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: General admission (2 years and older) is $16 + HST, children under 2 enter for free.

Movies at the Hamilton Public Library

Movie: Hotel Transylvania (2013) PG
Where: 2641 Regional Rd. 56 – Binbrook Branch
Time: 10 a.m.

Movie: Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2023) PG-13
Where: 970 Paramount Dr. – Valley Park Branch
Time: 1 p.m.

Movie: Kung Fu Panda 4 (2024) PG
Where: 571 Barton St. E. – Barton Branch
Time: 2 p.m.

Movie: The Innocents (1961) PG
Where: 300 Wilson St. E. – Ancaster Branch
Time: 2 p.m.

Movie: Hocus Pocus (1993) PG
Where: 55 York Blvd. – Central Library
Time: 2 p.m.

Movie: Hotel Transylvania 2 (2015) G
Where: 100 Mohawk Rd. W. – Terryberry Branch
Time: 2 p.m.

Movie: Monster House (2006) PG
Where: 352 Rymal Rd. E. – Turner Park Branch
Time: 2 p.m.

Movie: Scoob (2020) G
Where: 695 Queenston Rd. – Red Hill Branch
Time: 2 p.m.

Movie: The LEGO Batman Movie (2017) PG
Where: 777 Highway 8 – Stoney Creek Branch
Time: 2:30 p.m.

Mindfulness Hamilton Silent Retreat

Join mindfulness teachers Allison Liss and Melanie Schwindt for a full day of silent meditation at St. Cuthbert’s Presbyterian Church in Westdale. Designed for both beginners and experienced practitioners, this retreat offers guided meditations, walking meditation, a sound bath and a vegetarian lunch.

Where: 2 Bond St. N.
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: $40 – $115

October 20

The Wild Kratts Live 2.0!

Join the Wild Kratts in a live-action adventure as they bring their popular children’s show to the stage at FirstOntario Concert Hall in Hamilton. This family-friendly performance promises exciting animal encounters and educational fun for kids of all ages!

Where: 1 Summers Lane
When: 1 p.m.
Cost: Tickets start at $59.40

McQuesten Family: Hamilton Municipal Cemetery Tours

Join an engaging walking tour at Hamilton Municipal Cemetery, where you’ll explore the history and legacy of the McQuesten family, key figures in shaping Hamilton’s greenspaces, industry, arts and public service. Led by knowledgeable guides, this tour offers a deeper appreciation for the city’s past.

Where: 777 York Blvd.
When: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Cost: Free

Hamilton Film Festival (Sept. 18 to Oct. 27)

The 19th Annual Hamilton Film Festival returns to the Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre. This year’s festival offers a diverse selection of films, with genres including comedy, drama, documentary and emerging categories, ensuring there is something for every film enthusiast. Tickets are $99 plus applicable taxes.

Where: 357 Wilson St. E.
Time: Screening times vary. Visit here for more information.

Hell Bent Rockers: Fall Fling at Stonewalls

Get ready to dance as The Hell Bent Rockers return to Stonewalls Restaurant for their annual Fall Fling! This Hamilton/Burlington-based rockabilly quartet brings a high-energy mix of rock & roll and authentic 50s rockabilly sound, making it impossible to stay seated.

Where: 339 York Blvd.
When: 3 p.m.
Cost: Admission details not provided

Spencer Gorge Conservation hikes

Experience the stunning fall colours at Spencer Gorge this fall. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of Tew Falls, Webster Falls and the scenic Dundas Peak, which offers a cliffside overlook of the gorge.

Reservations are required to visit during this popular time of year. Guests can choose from the Dundas Peak & Tew Falls hike, the Webster Falls hike or the full Spencer Gorge hike experience.

Where: Harvest Rd, Dundas
Time: Hike times vary. Visit here for more information.

Cover photo via “Mad Magic” @eventbrite.ca